This type of "stone" jar drinking container was used before glass and later plastic material made it "out of date" as a drink container. The qualities of the glazed pottery (stone) drinking containers made from this natural thermal insulation material was to contain the liquid to a prescribed temperature either hot or cold, as required. This was particularly important in rural environments that lacked adequate refrigeration means. The rural regions where the last areas in Australia where this type of drinking container remained in use. The late 1960's saw a revival of the basic rural ethos by the "hippie" culture of going to basic survival non "commercial" living.This particular stone jar drinking container was also a method of advertising for a Wodonga Stone masonry manufacturer. It is both relevant and significant to the Kiewa Valley because it highlights the type of industry that has breached the evolutionary trend for cheaper "throw away" drinking containers. Although this particular type of container is limited to quality liquids and it is still available in most rural sectors of the Australian "bush" environment.This stone/earthenware jar has a lip 250mm in length and 150mm thick. This lip will allow the thumb and forefinger to be used to grip the container for either pouring its contents out or securing it for any movement. The external glazed surface may become slippery when wet. The jar is heavy even when empty and would be too heavy for small children to carry. By using a cork seal the jar can be reused and therefore become more economical for the longer term. The thickness of the vessel provides a good insulation for the liquid contained. Most of this type of container would have contained ginger beer.Within two elliptical circles are painted (in freehand) "S. MASON" in the top half and "WODONGA" in the bottom half.These are separated by an asterisk on both sides. A large "S" overlaid by a similarly large "M" is within the inner circle. Stamped into the jar when still wet during manufacture is "PINNACLE BRAND" in 5mm lettering.drinking container, stone jar, ginger beer container, s. mason, wodonga earthen ware

Coffee Palaces were developed throughout Australia with the backing of the Temperance Movement as an alternative venue to pubs in the late 19th century. Two Coffee Palaces identified in Wodonga in the early days were the Railway Coffee Palace and the Wodonga Coffee Palace. In 1908 Wodonga Coffee Palace was advertised for sale, having 15 rooms, a 15 stall stable and feed-room. In 1921 Wodonga Coffee Palace was taken over by Julia Ronan who had successfully conducted the dining rooms at the Wodonga Sale-yards for 15 years. The building of the Hume Weir was in progress and many of the workers boarded at the Coffee Palace. In 1936 Wodonga Coffee Palace became “Glenburnie” Guest House. Mr. Loftus Henry Moran, born in Winchelsea, Victoria, was well-known in the tea trade, originally working with Griffiths Bros Ltd. He started his own business, Loftus Moran Pty Ltd in 1909. Loftus Moran's company imported chinaware from Britain and sold it into the Australian market. They specialised in supplying to hotels, businesses and institutions.This bowl is an excellent example of earthen ware items used throughout Australia in hotels, cafes and other institutions. Loftus Moran Pty Ltd, was a major distributor and successful Melbourne Company. Mrs. Ronan's Coffee Palace was an important business in Wodonga and an alternate food and accommodation venue for those who preferred not to stay in public houses or hotels.A small white bowl bearing the logo of Ronan's Coffee Palace in Wodonga printed in green.In a scroll at the top edge "RONAN'S COFFEE PALACE" Underneath the bowl in green writing below a green crown "GRINDLEY HOTEL WARE/ENGLAND/VITRIFIED/LOFTUS, MORAN/ MELBOURNE"coffee palace, wodonga business, wodonga, mrs. ronan wodonga, 1920s wodonga